Perfect Ventspils Deny Resilient Kings

BK Ventspils escaped from Sodertalje Kings with a precious 82-80 success to remain unbeaten in EuroChallenge Group C but almost snatched defeat from the jaws of victory with a shabby finish.

The Latvian team looked to be heading for a comfortable win having broken the game open at 81-73 with less than two minutes remaining and with the ball in their hands.

But, they left the door ajar for the hosts and were almost punished with a first loss.

Unfortunately for the home fans, the Swedish hosts couldn't quite manage to take the chance they were handed in crunch time after they had made it a one-shot game inside the last 30 seconds thanks mainly to the play of the excellent Toni Bizaca who finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

In a dramatic conclusion, Agnis Cavars missed a couple of good looks during the closing seconds to force overtime for Sodertalje, but Ventspils clung on for the win.

One big difference in the game was the lack of bench scoring for the hosts and this proved to be a factor- but not as much as seven missed free-throws which could be argued, cost them the win.

Dino Pitta led Sodertalje with 20 points whilst Folarin Campbell, Sandis Valters and Martins Meiers all shot the lights out for Ventspils with a combined 46 points from over 77% from the floor.